Can I put 87 gas in my Acura TLX?
The short answer is no, you should not put 87 octane gasoline in your Acura TLX. Acura recommends using premium 91 octane or higher fuel in this vehicle. Using a lower octane gas can potentially cause engine damage and negatively impact the vehicle's performance.
Understanding Octane Ratings and Your Acura TLX
Octane rating is a measure of a fuel's resistance to premature ignition, also known as "knocking" or "pinging." Higher-performance engines, like the one in the Acura TLX, are designed to run on higher octane fuels to prevent this knocking. Using a lower octane gas than recommended can lead to engine knocking, which can cause damage over time.
The Acura TLX is equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that requires a minimum of 91 octane fuel. Putting 87 octane gas in this vehicle could result in reduced power, decreased fuel efficiency, and potential long-term engine damage.
Consequences of Using the Wrong Fuel
- Engine Knocking: Lower octane fuel is more prone to premature ignition, causing a knocking or pinging sound in the engine. This can lead to engine damage over time.
- Reduced Performance: The engine may not be able to perform at its optimal level, resulting in less power and acceleration.
- Decreased Fuel Efficiency: Using a lower octane fuel than recommended can reduce your Acura TLX's fuel economy.
- Voided Warranty: Using the wrong fuel type may void your vehicle's warranty, as it could be considered owner neglect or misuse.
To ensure the best performance, fuel efficiency, and long-term engine health, it's crucial to always use the recommended premium 91 octane or higher fuel in your Acura TLX. Consult your owner's manual or contact your local Acura dealer for more information on the proper fuel requirements for your vehicle.
Are Acura TLX good on gas?
The base 2022 TLX trim gets up to 22mpg in the city and 31 miles per gallon highway. If a 4-cylinder TLX trim level is configured with SH-AWD, its fuel efficiency will drop slightly to 21 miles per gallon city and 29 highway mpg.
What happens if I put 87 octane in my car?
If you put lower-octane fuel into your high-octane vehicle, whether by mistake or to save money on gas, you'll probably notice the effects right away: things like poor fuel economy, reduced acceleration, and spark knock, which sounds like a high-pitched pinging or rattling noise.
Does it matter if I put 89 instead of 87?
Adding mid-grade gas to a car that uses 87-octane will waste the extra money put into the tank. 89 gas will not make your car go faster. If a manufacturer recommends premium gas, you can still use 87-octane, but it might cause problems to your car's engine.
Can I put 87 in my Acura TLX?
If you're the proud owner of a new Acura sedan or SUV, Premium unleaded 91 octane fuel is required to make it run – and recommended for the following Acura models: Acura Integra. Acura TLX. Acura RDX.
What happens if you put regular gas in a premium car?
However, remember this: when a premium fuel engine runs on regular fuel, there's a risk of combustion of the fuel mix before the spark plug even lights up. This causes a phenomenon called knocking, which is likely to damage the engine. Although Mazda recommends using premium fuel, they don't require it.
What if I accidentally put 87 instead of 89?
It shouldn't cause your vehicle any harm. The ECM (Engine Control Module) will compensate for the lower octane fuel. You might notice a drop in engine performance and possibly lower fuel economy; but nothing detrimental.
How reliable is an Acura TLX?
Quality and Reliability 79.0/100
The 2025 Acura TLX has a predicted reliability score of 79 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.
Does the Acura TLX need premium fuel?
According to Acura, the Acura NSX requires premium gas. For models like the RDX, MDX, TLX, RLX, and ILX, premium gas is recommended.
Will my car mess up if I put regular gas in it?
With regular kill your ride. Well the short answer is no so in a pinch you can use regular. But you will likely hear an engine knock. And you might notice a degrade in performance.
What happens if I put regular gas in my Acura?
Your Acura can handle regular gas, but it won't run quite as effectively. So if you want the best performance, premium is the way to go. Additionally, high-performance vehicles have higher needs than your standard economy car.
